Populism, culture and class: articulation and performance in contemporary British populism

ABSTRACT This research examines the role of populism and class within the discourse of three contemporary British political party leaders. It begins by outlining the Essex-School perspective, focusing upon populism’s antagonistic division between ‘the people’ and ‘the elite’ and its relationship with class. Following this, an overview of Pierre Bourdieu’s research upon class helps explore cultural and economic class capital’s complexities and contemporary British relevance. Attention then turns to the role of populism and class in contemporary British political discourse. Analysis of Nigel Farage, Jeremy Corbyn and Nicola Sturgeon’s political articulation exposes an important overlap of populist and class-based appeals. This intersect sees cultural class meaningfully aid the populist toolkit; whilst populism reciprocally broadens class appeals. Cultural class signifiers remedy populism’s empty heart, providing a relatable connection to ‘the people’ through behaviour and symbolism. This indicates a multi-dimensional populist approach; elucidating how populists have successfully engaged broadly with the electorate.